Joe Namath

The New York Jets were 17-point underdogs in Super Bowl III in 1969, so Namath's guarantee was especially shocking. The Jets (then of the AFL) defeated the NFL Baltimore Colts 16-7, as Namath was named MVP.

Namath was famed for his flamboyance and his womanizing, as well as his football skills. His popularity helped make the young upstart AFL (American Football League) into a serious rival of the established NFL.